2001DodgeDakotaDodge Dakota2001 Dodge Dakota Base 2WD Regular Cab SBCompact PickupRegular CabRWDWarren, MIThe Dakota gets a redesigned interior with upgraded audio components, optional steering wheel controls, larger exterior mirrors and a redesigned front fascia on the Sport models. Four-wheel-drive models get a dash-mounted, electronically controlled transfer case. New 15x7-inch cast aluminum wheels are standard on Sport and SLT models and a leather interior is now available in Quad Cab models. Quad Cabs also benefit from front seatbelt pre-tensioners, Club Cabs have added rear window defrost as an option, and Sentry Key Engine Immobilizer technology is now part of the optional security alarm system. Finally, the 3.9-liter V6 and 4.7-liter and 5.9-liter V8 engines meet low-emission vehicle standards for 2001.Four full-size doors on Quad Cabs, tons of interior room, attractive styling, stout 4.7-liter V8.Fuel consumption with the 5.9-liter V8, no R/T Quad Cab offered.The Dakota carved out its own niche in the compact pickup world when it premiered back in 1987. Here was a "compact" truck that wasn't so compact, giving it an instant advantage over competitors from Ford and Chevy. Dakota continued to upstage its domestic rivals when an optional 5.2-liter V8 appeared in 1991 (the S-10 and Ranger still don't offer V8 power!) and attractive Ram-inspired styling debuted for 1997. Last year, Dodge trumped the competition one more time by being the first to offer Quad Cab, which provided four full-sized doors to family-conscious consumers. This year, the Dakota continues to offer a wide range of engine and body style configurations. The two-wheel-drive Regular and Club Cabs get a mini-Magnum 120-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but all Dakotas have access to a 3.9-liter V6 that cranks out 175 horsepower. There's also the 4.7-liter V8, which makes a useable 230 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque, along with the 5.9-liter V8 making 250 horses. The 5.9-liter cannot be mated to a manual transmission, and the 2.5-liter is without an automatic option. If you're worried about having to tow with a compact truck, keep in mind the Dakota's potential 6,700-pound towing capacity. In other words, no problem. Three body styles are available: Regular Cab, Club Cab, and Quad Cab. Want the ultimate attention-gettin' Dakota? The Regular and Club Cab two-wheel-drives can take advantage of the R/T Sport Group that includes the 250-horsepower 5.9-liter V8, a lowered suspension, and a high-performance tire-and-wheel combo. You might also want to check out the Dakota Sport with its new front fascia and Sparkle Silver 15x7-inch cast aluminum wheels. You'll likely have to keep reminding yourself that this is indeed a compact pickup -- everything from its towing capacity and stance to its power and interior seems bigger than the norm. A 40/20/40 split seat is standard (but you can opt for high-back buckets), and rear passengers travel on a 60/40 split-folding bench seat, creating seating for six in Quad Cabs. The interior is quiet, and Dodge has improved everything from the instrument panel to the ventilation system to the floor console and cupholders. Optional audio equipment, featuring two- and three-band equalizers and steering wheel-mounted controls, give the Dakota a more upscale feel, but those wanting the ultimate luxury hauler should look into a Quad Cab with the new-for-2001 optional leather interior. Both two- and four-wheel-drive versions are available, and the independent front suspension works effectively with the Dakota's rack-and-pinion steering for a confident yet comfortable ride. Underneath, you'll find front disc brakes with optional ABS and rear drums with standard ABS (you can upgrade to slightly larger rear brakes when opting for ABS). Four-wheel-drive models get a new dash-mounted, electronically controlled transfer case that replaces the previous floor-mounted lever system. The Dakota enters the new millennium with looks, power, a much-desired four-door configuration and a brand-new interior. It sure seems like it could be a very happy new year for Dodge. Chevrolet S-10Ford RangerNissan FrontierToyota Tacoma336,000336,000336,0005100,000NANANA42.5 litersInline120 hp @ 5200 rpm145 ft-lbs. @ 3250 rpmNA1275 lbs.6700 lbs.196 in.71.5 in.65.2 in.3378 lbs.112 in.NA8.2 in.40 in.NANANANANA41.9 in.NA3Not AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested22 gal.20 mpg / 25 mpg440 mi. / 550 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$12,810$13,9107.35%$585N/A3% of the Total MSRPBASE 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M): 2.5L I4 OHV SMPI 8-valve engine; 5-speed OD manual transmission; 600 amp battery; 117 amp alternator; rear-wheel drive, 3.55 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; HD ride suspension, front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, HD front shocks, rigid rear axle leaf spring suspension, HD rear shocks; power rack-and-pinion steering; front disc/rear drum brakes with rear wheel antilock brakes; 22 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear argent bumpers with black rub strip, rear step bumper; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's manual black outside mirrors; 15" x 7" silver styled steel wheels; P215/75SR15 BSW A/S tires; full-size steel spare wheel; AM/FM stereo radio, clock, seek-scan, cassette player, 4 speakers, fixed antenna; 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, oil pressure gauge, watertemperature gauge, volt gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid; driver's front airbag, passenger's cancelable front airbag; tinted windows; variable intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip; seating capacity of 3, bench front seat, fixed headrests, driver's and passenger's seats include 2-way adjustment; front height adjustable seatbelts; vinyl seats, full cloth headliner, full vinyl floor covering, cabback insulator; interior lights include dome light with delay; passenger's side vanity mirror; day/night rearview mirror; glove box, front cupholder; argent grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and black door handles.
SPORT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) equipment): Black upper bumpers with body color lower and body-color grille.
SLT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of SPORT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) equipment): 3.9L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine.
BASE/SPORT/SLT 2WD CLUB CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE/SPORT/SLT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) equipment): 3.92 axle ratio; deep tinted windows; seating capacity of 6, 40/20/40 split-bench front seat, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seat includes 4-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear split-bench seat; premium cloth seats, full carpet floor covering, 1 seat back storage pocket and rear under seat tray.
SPORT/SLT 2WD QUAD CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of SPORT/SLT 2WD CLUB CAB (5M) equipment): 3.9L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; 24 gal. capacity fuel tank; front and rear body-colored bumpers with black rub strip; additional exterior lights include pickup cargo box light, underhood light; P215/75SR15 RWL A/S tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; child safety rear door locks; 2 power accessory outlets, manual front and rear windows; rear split-bench seat with fixed headrests; cloth door trim insert, front and rear reading lights; mini overhead console glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, in addition to driver's and passenger's door bins.
BASE/SPORT 4WD REGULAR CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE/SPORT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) equipment): 3.9L V6 OHV SMPI 12-valve engine; part-time 4 wheel drive, auto locking hub control and electronic shift; front torsion springs, and front torsion bar.
SLT 4WD REGULAR CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of SLT 2WD REGULAR CAB (5M) equipment): Part-time 4 wheel drive, auto locking hub control and electronic shift; front torsion springs, and front torsion bar.
BASE/SPORT/SLT 4WD CLUB/QUAD CAB (5M) (in addition to or instead of BASE/SPORT/SLT 4WD CLUB/QUAD CAB (5M) equipment): Part-time 4 wheel drive, auto locking hub control and electronic shift; front torsion springs, and front torsion bar.
NOTE: All vehicles require selection of a Quick Order Package.